PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland homeowner Julie Wilson, like many mothers, allows her child to play on the kitchen counter. She also feeds the child from the same surface.

And when Wilson learned her granite counter could be dangerous -- health experts say the granite can emit dangerous levels of radiation -- she immediately wanted it tested.

FOX 12 Investigation: Testing Countertops For Radiation

"The more I learn about it, (I'm) very concerned," Wilson said. "Especially with the rates of lung cancer."

With the help of a state health expert and a special instrument used to measure radiation, Wilson had the counter tested.

State health experts said some granite slabs can contain high levels of uranium, a mineral that emits radiation. Over time, the uranium breaks down and gives off a radioactive gas known as radon, which can cause lung cancer.

According to a recent report from the New York Times, scientists in other areas of the country found radiation levels 100 times higher than normal in some granite slabs.

"There's a lot of this product going into new homes and renovations of new homes," said Terry Lindsey, of the State of Oregon Radiation Protection Services. "People are concerned and they have a legitimate concern in terms of that."

Lindsey said whether a granite slab contains uranium depends on where it was mined. While most parts of a granite counter may be uranium-free, a small area could contain a large amount of the mineral.

But state health experts said they're most concerned with the potential for radon gas, a radioactive gas that can circulate through a home.

Lindsey said radioactive countertops are just one of many sources for radon. The gas can occur naturally in the soil under a home.

"What we encourage is for anyone who is interested about it should do a radon test in their home," Lindsey said.

Lindsey said his staff has tested numerous slabs of granite in Oregon. So far, he said, they have not found dangerous levels of radiation.

In Wilson's kitchen, experts only found radiation levels either slightly higher than normal or normal. Wilson said she was relieved that her counters received a clean bill of health.

"I was anxious, I wanted to know if the level was high or not (and) if I was going to have to do an early kitchen remodel," she said.

Radon gas tests are available at most home improvement stores. There are also companies in the Portland area who will conduct radiation tests for a fee.